taking off for the first time

The technique you suggest was widely used prior to and during much of
World War I when the intention was to get persons to solo as quickly as
possible (and get them into combat as soon as possible; many of whom
flew in combat with under 20 hours of total time. They also tended to
be killed on their first or second mission, life expectancy was under
30 days for most WWI pilots in the middle portion of the war). Often
airplanes with clipped wings or very small engines were used, referred
to as penguins, because they would barely get into the air, and could
not climb out of ground effect.

Honestly, Rick, I learn more about aviation history from your posts than
from all others, combined. Thanks for posting.

Nice article on the Bo conversion in AOPA Pilot this month, by the way.
That thing sounds like a 200 knot version of my plane!

:-)
--
Jay Honeck
Iowa City, IA
Pathfinder N56993
www.AlexisParkInn.com
"Your Aviation Destination"